Visiting the Bikies playground

Some would argue that the Gold Coast is still the family-friendly holiday destination of 10 years ago, give or take a few troublemakers which you'll find in any Australian city.

But with the recent eruption of motorcycle club-related violence, is the coast's well-known characteristics of sun, sand and beaches being replaced by the more sinister underbelly traits of drugs, crime and bikie gangs?

Locals argue that crime and violence on the Gold Coast has been hyped up by the media.

"I've lived here for 10 years and had no sightings or negative experiences related to bike gangs, other than the GC being slammed in the media constantly," Melinda Hindhaugh said.

But others who live north of the notorious playground say all the extra attention has in fact put them off visiting.

"I always avoid going to Gold Coast as I see many problems over there like Schoolies, shootings and now bikies," Wilson Amaladass said.

"It makes me think twice about visiting, as I don't want to support them by unknowingly spending money at an establishment they control," Megan Sloan said.

Christine Stanton said she thinks crime and violence on the coast has been steadily increasing.

"The street gangs, armed robberies, stabbings... It's not all bikies."

Impact on tourism and business

Gail O'Neill, president of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, says Gold Coast businesses are angry at all the negative attention.

"They're angry that a minority group like bike clubs are causing disturbances, violent disturbances.

To tackle the escalating violence that continues to spill into the streets, the Newman Government has announced tough new measures to crack open organised crime including offering cash rewards for information about criminal bikie gangs.

It's a move Ms O'Neill is pleased with.

"I'm really happy that the state has come out with such a strong response.

"Businesses will suffer unless we step up and do something.

"Our tourism figures have been really good; we want to get the message out that the Gold Coast is a safe destination to visit and to live."

The State Government has promised 50 extra police for the Gold Coast and 20 million dollars to combat bikie-related crime.

The Australian Crime Commission has also been brought in to help police investigate outlaw motorcycle gangs, after recent violence on the tourist strip.